When it comes to birds with long, skinny tails, the first one that likely comes to mind is the red-tailed hawk. This medium to large bird of prey is common throughout most of North America and is easily recognized by its distinctive reddish-brown tail which can be over a foot long.
Identification
Here are some key identification points for the red-tailed hawk:
- Large, stocky raptor with broad, rounded wings
- Length ranges from 19-25 inches, with a wingspan of 48-56 inches
- Noticeable belly band ranging in color from light rust to dark brown
- Pale underparts with variable amounts of streaking and barring
- Reddish-brown tail that is long and narrow in shape
- Dark patagial markings on the leading edge of the wings
- Varied color morphs, from light to dark
When seen in flight, the red-tailed hawk is easy to identify thanks to its widespread tail and broad, rounded wings. The tail appears long in comparison to the wings and has a noticeable band of darker feathers along the end. Immature red-tails can be identified by their brown banded tail.
Range and Habitat
The red-tailed hawk occupies a wide range of habitats across North America. They thrive in open country with some trees or elevated perches for hunting. Typical habitats include:
- Farmlands
- Grasslands
- Rangelands
- Deciduous woodlands
- Desert canyons
- Marshes
- Parks and open space within cities
From Alaska down through Central America, these adaptable hawks occur year-round throughout their breeding range. Northern populations may migrate south during the winter. They are absent from more barren areas like the arctic tundra and treeless deserts.
Hunting and Diet
The red-tailed hawk is a skilled hunter with excellent eyesight. It watches for prey while soaring or perching on an elevated vantage point. Once spotted, the hawk swoops down to grab small mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and birds with its powerful talons. Common prey includes:
- Voles
- Mice
- Rats
- Squirrels
- Rabbits
- Snakes
- Lizards
- Frogs
- Small birds
In some cases, red-tailed hawks may injure or kill small pets and poultry. They help control rodent and other pest populations and play an important role in the ecosystem.
Breeding and Nesting
Red-tailed hawks reach maturity and begin breeding around two years of age. Breeding season starts in late winter or early spring. Courtship consists of aerial displays by the male as he repeatedly dives toward the female. Mated pairs will return to a nesting site from previous years and work together to build a new nest or refurbish an existing one. Nests are constructed from twigs and lined with vegetation and are usually built high up in tall trees, on ledges, or human-made structures. The female lays between one to five eggs which incubate for 28 to 35 days. The hatchlings fledge at 6-7 weeks old but continue to be fed and cared for by the parents for several weeks after leaving the nest. Most red-tailed hawks only raise one brood per year but may re-nest after an unsuccessful first attempt.
Species Status and Threats
With an estimated population well over 2 million, the red-tailed hawk is widespread and abundant across its range. Its adaptability allows it to thrive in proximity to human activity. As such, the red-tailed hawk is classified as Least Concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). However, habitat loss and environmental toxins may negatively impact more localized populations. Collection of feathers and eggs by humans are also threats in some areas. Ongoing protection of open habitats and reduction of pesticide use will help maintain red-tailed hawk numbers into the future.
Key Facts
- Scientific Name: Buteo jamaicensis
- Length: 19-25 inches
- Wingspan: 48-56 inches
- Weight: 1.5-3.5 pounds
- Lifespan: Up to 16 years in wild, up to 30 years in captivity
- Habitat: Varied open and semi-open areas including farmland, grassland, woodland, wetland, deserts, and urban areas
- Range: Throughout most of North America and parts of Central America
- Diet: Small mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians
- IUCN Status: Least Concern
Fun Facts
- Also known as the “chickenhawk”, though they rarely prey on domestic poultry
- The oldest known red-tailed hawk was over 30 years old
- Often seen soaring in circles while hunting
- Have a distinctive, raspy high-pitched call sounding like “keeeeee-arr”
- Pairs typically mate for life
- Were sacred to Native American tribes who equated them with vision and leadership
- Have appeared on currency, stamps, and state symbols due to their iconic nature
Conclusion
With its distinctive tail and cry, the red-tailed hawk stands out as one of the most recognizable raptors in North America. These adaptable hunters thrive across a variety of habitats where they play an important role as apex predators. Despite some local threats, widespread populations ensure that the red-tailed hawk will continue its reign as one of the continent’s most common and iconic birds of prey.